Cru Uncorked Fine French Dining - Cleveland Article

Cru Uncorked: French Fine Dining in Cleveland is Here!

Nestled in Cleveland’s east side neighborhood of Moreland Hills is one of the finest dining destinations, not only in Cleveland but the entire United States. Cru Uncorked is a fine French Dining restaurant that has been created with the attention to absolutely every possible detail. From the marble used in the entrance fountain outside to the wine cellar, only the best and absolute finest ingredients and materials have been used.

The slate roof, the soundproofing throughout the venue, the very carefully sourced ingredients, the thorough wine and champagne selections and even the décor are authentic and original. Owners Sandy and Bill Cutler have gone to extensive lengths to create an authentic French chateau that serves the finest French cuisine to their valued guests in the most comfortable atmosphere possible.

Authentic French Fine Dining in Cleveland is Here!

Sandy and Bill Cutler made the decision to fill a void in the Cleveland dining landscape and opened a French restaurant. In addition to the authentic French theme and setting, the team did some extensive research on dining expectations of local residents and catered the experience to accommodate the most discerning diners.

A Restaurant Designed to Enhance Their Guests’ Comfort

The restaurant features a traditional French entry, three fireplaces, doors and curtains to enclose dining areas to eliminate outdoor noise, individually pin lighted tables, custom designed chairs and tables…the list of details is extensive and it is all designed with the comfort of their guests in mind. The Cutlers want to encourage guests to settle in for a culinary adventure and feel free to stay a while.

For example, Cru does not have a traditional HVAC system, instead using radiant heat so as not to disturb diners. They even have an onsite generator that will take over in the event of any power outage maintaining guests’ comfort in such an unusual and uncomfortable situation.

The dining room is divided into several separate sections, each hosting 5 to 7 tables each. Each of these dining areas is decorated individually and you could literally eat here 4 nights in a row and sit in a different dining room! They also feature a lavish Banquet Room in which they host corporate dinners, wedding receptions and accommodates up to 60 people.

There is also a gorgeous and just as well-appointed outdoor patio, open as weather permits, that offers the regular menu as well as a special patio menu. Outdoors you’ll also find an authentic Parisian garden.

The Cru Uncorked Menu Features An Authentic French Menu and Ingredients

Executive Head Chef John Stropki and Assistant Manager Bill Cutler have worked together to develop an authentic and accessible menu featuring the absolute best French cuisine and dining. The menu at Cru changes quarterly keeping all dishes seasonal and fresh.

The kitchen is John’s domain and the front of the house is Bill’s. Bill commented, ”We provide continual feedback between the front and the back of the house to create as strong of a bond between the two as possible thus enhancing and maximizing every guest's visit.”

On our recent visit we experienced several dishes being prepared and were deeply impressed with the thought, care and detail that went into every plate. For the appetizer, Chef John Stropki brought out the famous Seared Foie Gras Preparation. This dish looks beautiful and certainly lived up to its reputation as it was recently named “Best of Cleveland," by Cleveland Magazine.

Chef John then demonstrated several of his entrees and we were equally impressed by all. The Lavender Cured Duck Breast was plated with parsnip plum, beet, hyssop anise, confit Croquette and caramel orange sauce. The Corn Agnolotti is a delicious mix of corn, chanterelle and summer truffle.

The Veal Chop is a very generous portion and served with lentil ragout with bacon, cherries aigre doux, mustard seed and veal jus. The Sea Scallops were served with saffron shellfish sauce and a vegetable risotto.

Last but very far from least was the Le Cru Burger. The Le Cru Burger was included as part of the menu with the insistence of Mrs. Cutler who felt it a necessary menu offering. Of course, the preparation will vary by season and this is a burger to remember!

The entrees at Cru are “Fully Plated” and dressed, meaning that when you order an entrée they’ll come complete with veggies and sides. No need to order a la carte. Cru sources produce from local farms and all menu items are made from scratch. None of their food is frozen. None of their food contains MSG and they only use the finest cooking oils to ensure the best flavor and that the meal will be the healthiest it can be.

For dessert, Chef John brought us two delicious creations. The first was the Chocolate Stone which featured dark chocolate mousse with a caramel chocolate cremeux center and topped with crème fraiche ice cream. The second was their notorious Lemon Tart. The tart was perfectly complimented with strawberry coulis, berries and strawberry sorbet.

Cru Uncorked Has Comprehensive Wine and Champagne List

As a compliment to their authentic cuisine, Cru offers one of the largest and most comprehensive wine cellars you’ll ever find and they top that with their champagne list that is just as extensive.

Cru features fabulous and educational Wine Dinners once per month that feature 4 courses with seven wines that are perfectly paired. They also host wine tastings twice per month. Both the Wine Diners and Wine Tastings can serve as a fun and thorough introduction or further education of French wines, which are some of the finest in the world.

As the owners had hoped, a visit to Cru Uncorked is a complete experience and true adventure in dining and a great way to immerse yourself in French culture. This is a dining experience you will never forget. Thankfully, with Cru’s convenient east side location and the hospitality shared by the owners and staff you can come back as often as you like.